A striking new restaurant concept is set to open in the heart of St Andrews this Spring, as Clarets, the latest venture from The Rocca Group, takes residence in The R&A World Golf Museum, overlooking the world-famous Old Course.
Perfectly positioned with panoramic views across the iconic Old Course, sweeping West Sands and the historic Royal & Ancient Clubhouse (R&A), Clarets promises an all-day dining experience unlike any other in town—combining a comfortable setting, warm hospitality and one of Scotland’s most celebrated backdrops.
Occupying a prime single-level space with seating for 50 guests, Clarets St Andrews is being meticulously designed to deliver a refined yet welcoming environment. Launching with a carefully curated breakfast and lunch menu, the dinner service will follow post-launch, creating a relaxed brasserie experience. Morning and daytime favourites will include elevated classics such as avocado on sourdough, a hearty full Scottish breakfast, indulgent eggs Benedict, and comforting plates including a signature haggis toastie—all delivered with Rocca’s hallmark quality and exceptional value.
Starting post-launch, dinner will feature an approachable, yet elevated evening menu designed to complement the venue’s remarkable setting. This makes Clarets equally suited for relaxed lunches, post-golf gatherings, and atmospheric evening dining overlooking the course. Weekly Sunday roasts, offering a traditional experience in an extraordinary location, are set to become a highlight for both locals and visitors.
The venue will also be available for private hire, accommodating up to 100 guests standing or 50 guests seated, making it an ideal setting for celebrations, corporate gatherings and bespoke events with unparalleled views, including special guest speaker dinners from the golfing world as well as some iconic artefacts.
Work is now underway to transform the former Niblick Restaurant in St Andrews, with Clarets on track to open Spring 2026. The redevelopment will reimagine the prominent space into a vibrant new all-day dining destination overlooking the Old Course.
Stefano Pieraccini, Managing Director of The Rocca Group, said:
“Clarets is about more than just food and drink – it’s about celebrating St Andrews. We wanted to create a space that reflects the character, heritage and natural beauty of this town, where the views across the Old Course and West Sands are matched by the warmth of the welcome, the atmosphere in the room, and the quality on the plate.
Whether you’re joining us after a walk along the beach, finishing a round on the course, or gathering with friends for breakfast, lunch or Sunday roast, we want Clarets to feel like a place that truly belongs here and somewhere people feel part of something special.”
The Rocca Group MD, Stefano Pieraccini
Angela Howe, Director of The R&A World Golf Museum, said, “Claret’s promises to be an exciting addition to the St Andrews restaurant scene and will build on the success of the Niblick. We are delighted to be partnering with Stefano to bring this new proposition to life. The skills and experience of the Niblick team will be complemented by the Rocca team and we look forward to welcoming existing and new guests to Claret’s and The R&A World Golf Museum in the coming weeks.”
Clarets will retain the majority of the existing Niblicks team, preserving invaluable local knowledge, established guest relationships and the warm hospitality the venue is known for.
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With its unrivalled setting, carefully crafted menus and commitment to delivering exceptional value, Clarets is poised to become one of St Andrews’ most exciting new dining destinations when it opens its doors in Spring 2026.
Address: Clarets St Andrews, First Floor, R&A World Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment, St Andrews KY16 9AB
- Website and sign up for mailing list and opening updates; www.claretsstandrews.com
- Social Tags: @claretsstandrews
